Monthly Archives: October 2011

Issue 11: Welcome to The Music Jungle

Posted on October 28, 2011 by

Only a few days left of half term, and then it’s back into the fray!  This week’s articles are the result of spending time on planning rather than teaching.  I have written up the short 6-week samba course that I will … Continue reading →

Posted in The Jungle | Leave a comment

Issue 11: A Djembe Rhythm in Compound Time

Posted on October 28, 2011 by

This is a set of galloping rhythms that I have developed from a set four-four rhythms that I learned from a Wider Opportunities Djembe Teacher that I have worked with. I doubt that my version has any real ethnic authenticity, … Continue reading →

Posted in Djembe, The organised teacher | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Issue 11: A Short Keyboard Taster Course

Posted on October 28, 2011 by

A junior school that I work in as a freelance music teacher has been offering optional large group keyboard to year 6 children on Friday afternoons.  It is a very quick whizz through the basics of using keyboards over five … Continue reading →

Posted in Keyboards, Lessons that have happened, The organised teacher | Tagged | Leave a comment

Issue 11: Outline Plans for a Short Samba Course

Posted on October 28, 2011 by

I shall soon start teaching a 6-week taster course in Samba.  This school has a long-standing practice of offering small groups of year 6 children an opportunity for extra music on Friday afternoons.  Up to now, I have been teaching a … Continue reading →

Posted in Samba, The organised teacher | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Issue 10: The Music Jungle

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

Articles this week are on “Teacher Moments“, singing the “Lokey-Cokey“, and how I go about teaching “hands together” scales on the piano. Also, as well as a facebook page, you can follow us on twitter! Have a good break and give your ears … Continue reading →

Posted in The Jungle, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Issue 10: “Teacher Moments”

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

What do I mean by a “Teacher Moment”?  It is a phrase used by a teacher that I know, to describe those moments which make everything all so worthwhile. Years ago, at a school where I taught class music, there was a lad … Continue reading →

Posted in The Jungle, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Issue 10: The Lokey-Cokey (Or “Left hand on Top”)

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

Hands up if you know the “Hokey Cokey”? Here’s a version to sing as a warm-up before clarinet and recorder lessons: WORDS ACTIONS You put your Left Hand in Put your left hand in You put your Left hand out … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinets, Recorders, Songs, The organised teacher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Issue 10: Teaching Piano Scales

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

I have a rule.  I don’t have many rules, as I’m not much good at sticking to them.  Anyway, here it is: “You can’t start your ‘Grade 2’ until you can play C major scale, two octaves, hands together, with … Continue reading →

Posted in Keyboards, Piano, The organised teacher | Tagged , | Leave a comment